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The federal government has deployed additional immigration officials to Minnesota, representing an intensification in its campaign and rhetoric against the region and its sizable immigrant populations.

Federal Surge Confirmed by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “surging to Minneapolis to root out fraud, arrest perpetrators and deport criminal illegal aliens”. The top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stated to a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the largest immigration crackdown ever taking place right now”.

“We have the largest immigration operation ever taking place right now.” – Todd Lyons, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Official

Reports suggest the federal government is sending another two thousand agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a 30-day period. While Lyons did not verify that specific figure, he described it as a joint effort from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but stated it had “increased law enforcement” resources.

The Crackdown Effort and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal enforcement push in the state has been underway since early December. In reaction, local residents have fought back against ICE, engaging in protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have allegedly stayed away from public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being detained.

The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, is believed to be personally involved in the state. She is featured in a government-produced video of an apprehension in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his home country.

Political Context: High-Profile Cases and Comments

This focus on Minnesota occurs as the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the attention of former President Trump and led to xenophobic comments from him targeting Somalis. It is worth noting, Minnesota is home to the biggest Somali population in the U.S., and the majority of Somalis in the state are U.S. citizens.

Lyons added that officers have been “going door to door” to companies suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He praised Secretary Noem for running an “highly effective operation” in Minneapolis and framed the effort as fighting against sanctuary policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

In a press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “outrageous” and part of a “conflict that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“In my view, any state government in history has had to battle against the federal government every single day. We are being attacked like no other time in our state’s history because of a petty, vile administration that doesn’t care about the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's strong criticism highlights the significant division between state and federal authorities over this escalating crackdown.